THE weekend’s cricket matches will be a continuation of the two-day games that began last weekend. A Grade will see the Campbell and Freebairn Rebels sitting precariously at six for 58 chasing the imposing Royal Rats total of 238 at Varley Oval.

Last week, the Royal Rats lost the toss and had to bat on a moist wicket. It was hard going for the Rats who looked like deer in headlights for most of the day. At one stage they were down eight wickets for only 19 runs.

Fortunately, the tail wagged and the Rats ended up with 238 thanks to a surgical display by Vaughan Gallen of 104 not out. Shane de Gunst compiled a staid 66 and Brendan Latimer chipped in with 38 valuable runs to lead the Rats to safe ground while Tim Kawalski took four wickets for the Rebels. Campbell and Freebairn have it all to do this week.

In the other A Grade game Delungra continue their match against Staggy Creek at McCosker 2.

Last weekend the covers blew off half of the wicket so the game didn’t get started until 3pm and the pitch was damp. As a result, Delungra lost the toss and were bowled out for 99.

Alex Newmarch top scored with 12 for Delungra, and there were a number of other double figure contributions. While all got starts, none of the Delungra top order could go on with the job in testing conditions.

The best partnership for Delungra was Matt Kent and Nick Cummings who put on 34 for the side.

Staggy Creek all-rounder Jeremy Baxter took four for 36 off nine and troubled Delungra all day.

In reply, Staggy Creek are ominously positioned at one for 34 at stumps but lost a wicket on the first ball of the innings when swashbuckling opener Troy Brabant was caught out. They will need a further 66 runs to chase down Delungra’s first innings total this Saturday in what should be a walk in. Having said that stranger things have happened – after all we do live in a world where the best golfer is black and the best rapper is white.

© 2009 Inverell Times

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